October 2025: River Park Roundup

October 2025 - River Park Roundup

29th Annual Pumpkins in the Park

Thank you to all the families, friends, and neighbors who made Pumpkins in the Park such a fun and festive day! Your smiles, creativity, and community spirit make this tradition so special. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year!

Photo Album

Check out photos from the event!

Team Building at Winchester Mystery House

GRPC staff recently enjoyed an afternoon field trip to the Winchester Mystery House, a fun team-bonding experience that also deepened our appreciation for San José’s history.

To our surprise, our tour guide was a former Guadalupe Guide environmental educator—one of several teammates with past ties to the Mystery House and other local institutions. Moments like these highlight our pride in uplifting the cultural and environmental stories of San José, and remind us how landmarks like the Winchester Mystery House and Guadalupe River Park showcase the richness of our community.

Support Our Team

Every day, the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy team pours their energy, care, and love into protecting and preserving your River Park. From tending gardens and restoring habitats to welcoming volunteers and inspiring the next generation of park stewards, their work connects people to nature and to one another.

This giving season, your gift celebrates their dedication and ensures they can continue caring for this special place we all share.

Donate

River Park Updates

We’re heartbroken to share that the beloved Momotaro statue, gifted to San José by our sister city of Okayama, Japan, was recently stolen from the Japanese Friendship Garden. The statue has been a cherished symbol of friendship and cultural connection for decades. We’re working closely with local authorities to recover this meaningful piece of our shared history and hope to see Momotaro returned soon.

Read the ABC7 news article here.

Events & Programs

Animal Encounter Tours

1st & 3rd Sunday of November from 10:30am-11:30am

Come learn and have a closer encounter with our animals in the visitor center. This 1hr session will be lead by our Guadalupe Guide - not only are they knowledgeable, we think they're pretty cool too! Join us for this free program at the Rotary PlayGarden.

Zumba with Yadira Vargas

Saturday, Nov 1st - 9:30am to 10:30am

Join us at the Confluence Plaza at Arena Green for a free 1-hr Zumba session! Move your body to the music and enjoy the outdoor vibe with experienced instructor Yadira Vargas!

Yoga with Lavina Jagwani

Saturday, Nov 1st - 10:45am to 11:45pm

Join us at Arena Green West for a free 1-hr Yoga session in the park! Ground yourself and connect in our urban oasis with our instructor Lavina Jagwani!

Binoculars will be provided.

Audoban Christmas Bird Count

Sunday, Dec 14th - 8:00am-12:00pm

This is a great opportunity for people who have no birding experience but would like to help count birds for this annual event. All ages welcome. Participants will be meeting at the Visitor Center and will be taking on Guadalupe River Park watching for birds along the Guadalupe River and surrounding areas from 880 to Julian Street.

Volunteering at the River Park

Join us in gardening and developing your skills in the outdoors. Learn and ask questions from a Certified Horticulturist and UC Master Gardener and Master Composter! Open to anyone from all skill levels and ages! ❤️

Learn More

GRPC Team Spotlight

"I'm Jay the Horticulturalist here at the GRPC! I am in charge of facilitating the care and maintenance of the Guadalupe River Park Gardens and irrigation! I work closely with the city, volunteers, contractors, and GRPC staff to care for the RPG's labyrinth, willow arbor, sensory garden, and it's other various botanical needs!" Jay Thompson, Horticulturalist

Recurring Workdays

All of these community workday offerings require volunteers to pre-register. Click the workday you're interested in to RSVP today!

Location	Day/s & Time/s
Heritage Rose Garden	Every Saturday 8:30-11:30 AM
Historic Orchard	Every Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 AM
Rotary PlayGarden*	PAUSED

*Rotary PlayGarden workdays have been shifted to the Historic Orchard to support urgent need in that area. If you have a group that would like to volunteer at the Rotary PlayGarden, we are happy to accommodate those requests. Email volunteer@grpg.com to inquire!

Corporate Workdays

Maintain and preserve your River Park while building stronger connections through hands-on work.

Learn More

Collaborator Corner

NIRVANA SOUL: Open Mic Nights (every Friday, 6-9PM @315 S 1st St.) Sign up at the door and perform your music, poetry, and comedy, or just stop by to grab a coffee and listen to our local talent. Follow us on ig @nsafterdark to stay up to date. LEARN MORE >>

Guadalupe River Park Conservancy

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